Combination stool and stepladder



Jane 24, 1930.

Filed May 26, 1928 2 Sheets-Shet 1 June 24, 1930. H. E. BARROWS Q 3 7 COMBINATION STOOL AND STEPLADDER Filed May 26. 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented June 24, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT:. CE

HARRY n. BARROWS, or SHEBOYGAEIWISCONSIN, Assrenon'ro DILLINGHAM Mano- FAGTUBING 00., or SHEBOYGAN, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION orwrsoo vsm COMBINATION STOOL AND STEZ'PL'ADDER Application filed May 26, 1928:. Serial N... 280,874.

My invention relates to new and useful improvements in furniture and more particularly to a combination stool and stepladder, the principal object of the invention residing in the provision of a deviceof the character described embodying features of ornamentation as well as utility, being relatively simple and inexpensive in construction and of a size whereby it may be easily carried from place to place.

Another object of the invention consists in the provision of a device of the character described having a movable top which, when in lowered position, forms a seat for the stool and, when in raised position, is in easy reach to act as a handheld or grip to aid in the support and steadying a person ascending or descending the stepladder, means being provided for holding the top in its raised position.

With the above andother objects in view, whlch will appear as the description proceeds,

my invention consists in the novel details of construction, and arrangement of parts, described 1n the following specificatlon and illustrated in the accompanying drawings,x

and while I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of'the invention, as they now appear to me, itwill be understood that such changes may be made as will fall within the-scope of'the appended claims.

In the drawings: 1

Fig. 1 is a perspective showing the top in raised position.

Fig. 2 is a perspective showing the top in its lowered position. i

raised position.

Fig. 4 is a vertlcal sectlon with parts shown in side elevation; and

Flg. 5 1s a fragmental detail showing a rear elevation with the top" in lowered position.

In the drawings 1 indicates the supporting legs, 2 the side braces extendingbetween the front and rear legs, and 3 the back braces extending between the two rear legs. The s de braces 2 form a support for the steps 4, 5 and 6 and secured to the upper surface 'of'each of the steps is a pad 7 of rubber or similar ma terial.

A top 8 is connected to a pair of legs 1, as shown in the drawings, the right hand legs, by means of the hinges'9 or other suitable connections. VVhileI have, illustrated'the topas connectedto the right hand legs it will be understood that they'could'equally as well be attached to theleft hand pair of legs and the top will function in the same manner andfor the same purposes. When the top is in lowered position it will extend'horizontallyas shown more particularly in Figs. 2 and 5 of thedrawings and when in raised position will extend vertically asshown more particularly in Figs. 1, 3 andet of the drawings.

A toggle joint brace 10 is connected to the rear edge of the upper step'6and to the under surface ofthe top 8, as shown more particularly in Figs. 1,3-,4c*and 5 of the drawings and isadap'ted for holding the top in its raised or vertically extending position. As the toggle oint brace is of ordinary and well-known constructionfa further, detail description thereof is not thought necessary. it

' From the above detail description it is thought that the construction of my combinedstool and stepladde'r will be clearly.

understood as well'as the manner; in which the top may be raised andlow'eredt When used as a stool the top will be in its lowered position as quite clearly illustrated in Figs. 2 and 5 .of the drawings and may be used as a seat, it being understood that; it will be on a planeor height adapting it for this purpose. When in lowered position the top will over lie-thes'teps 4:, 5and 6 and such'an ornaing to the eye and adapting the device for .mental appearance is obtained as to be pleas- Fig. 3 is a front elevation with the top in usein a kitchen or the like. When the device is to be used as a stepladder the top will be'raised into the position shown more ings, the swinging movement of the top being limited by the toggle joint brace 10'and top, preferably the upper edge thereof, with their hand and this will steady and support them against falling. The top, when raised,

.93 1 particularly in Figs. 1, 3 and 4: of the drawis positioned at such a point as to be within easy reach of the person and, asI have previously stated, while I have illustrated the top as being on the right hand side of the steps, as faced by the person, it will be understood that it could equally as well be conncctedon the left hand side. The combined stool and stepladder may be painted with any suitable color and with such ornamentations as may be desired.

Having fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. A combined stool and stepladder comprising a supporting structure including steps, and. a member hinged to and adapted to extend upwardly from the supporting structure adjacent one endof the upper step and to the side of a personascending or descending the steps in position to be readily grasped by the hand.

2. A device of the character described comprising a supporting structure including steps, and a member hingedlyconnected to one side of the supporting structure adjacent one end of the upper step and adapted to be raised and lowered, said member when in lowered position being positioned horizontally over the 'steps substantially within the confines of the supporting structure and when raised being positioned to the side of a person ascending or descending the step to be readilygrasped bythe hand. I I

,3. A-combined stool and stepladder comprising a supporting structure including ste ps,and a member hingedlyconnected at one side of the supporting structure, said member when lowered being positioned hor-' izontally over the supporting structure and when raised extending vertically to the side of a person ascending or descending the steps to be readily grasped by the hand, the line of pull on the member when grasped being at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the steps and in a direction at right angles to the movement of the member when being lowered to horizontal posit-ion.

In testimony whereof I; hereunto aflix my signature.

HARRY E. BARRoWs 

